EP0187552A1 - Overhead-cable transport system - Google Patents

Abstract

Transport installation with two endless overhead cables and carriers (2a, 2b) carrying and pulling, parallel to each other and comprising one or more vehicles (1) spaced apart and rigidly disengageable associated by two pairs of pliers (3 ' a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b) which define a rigid quadrilateral in the form of a parallelogram which in the engaged state promotes synchronous scrolling of the two cables. (2a, 2b)

Description

The invention relates to an overhead cable transport installation of the .type comprising one or more vehicles which are spaced apart and associated rigidly but disengageably by clamps carried by a carriage associated with a suspension, with two endless cables, carriers and tractors. , parallel to each other, placed one beside the other in the horizontal direction, driven by continuous scrolling at the same speed and supported by pylons supported by intermediate pylons.

Installations of this type are already known, in particular comprising a carriage carrying two pairs of disengageable clamps, two clamps for each cable, the four clamps constituting a rigid connection quadrilateral between the two cables, which necessarily move in synchronism. A clamp is also known comprising a clamp body rigidly associated with the chassis of the carriage, a fixed jaw carried by the clamp body, a movable jaw carried by an arm articulated to the clamp body; return spring means of the mobile jaw towards the fixed jaw such as a spring arranged _{substantially} vertically; and a clutch release roller mounted to pivot freely on the arm about a substantially horizontal and transverse axis, capable of cooperating with a clutch ramp forming part of the declutching and clutch means located in each station. end. We also know overhead cable transport installations in which each tractor carrying cable passes at the level of a pylon on a pendulum which may include support rollers or compression rollers. The pylons are then respectively called support pylons or compression pylons. These pylons include a base, a vertical barrel or extending upwards, a horizontal and transverse bracket relative to the cable tray and two series of rollers for supporting or compressing the cables.

The advantage of such installations is the possibility of a significant rotation of the vehicles (hence a large flow of passengers or materials). In addition, the connection between the two cables defines a rigid quadrilateral formed by the clamps of the vehicles, which performs a synchronous drive while avoiding any integration of offset and obliquing of the vehicles.

However, these known installations with two cables have the drawback of a heavy and bulky structure generally resulting from the simple juxtaposition of two structures such as those known and used in the case of a single-cable installation. This is why such installations do not include any of the necessary comfort and safety characteristics. In particular, the rigid quadrilateral formed by the clamps of vehicles is generally in the form of a trapezoid. This form of trapeze is not perfectly symmetrical, the vehicle is not perfectly balanced. In addition, the inevitable bulk in the axial direction is a source of problems in the passage of pylons, more particularly of the cable rollers, or even in the most curved sections of the cable trays. Also, the realization of installations of transport with two overhead cables with cabins that can be of large capacity requires that the pylons are designed to allow the passage of the cabin carrier trolley, the maintenance of the cables in a constant relative position and finally to follow the generally curved shape of the cable tray at right of a pylon.

The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks, and for this purpose it proposes an installation of the type mentioned above with two cables, in which each vehicle trolley comprises two pairs of clamps, each of the pairs of clamps being associated with the one of the two cables, these two pairs of clamps defining a rigid quadrilateral in the form of a parallelogram which, in the engaged state, promotes the synchronous movement of the two cables; each carriage has support rollers mounted for free pivoting around horizontal or transverse axes, and guide rollers mounted for free pivoting around vertical axes enabling the carriage to be supported and guided transversely when the clamps are disengaged at the end stations; the two pairs of pliers are spread transversely by the minimum possible distance taking into account the dimensions of the pliers, and the two central pliers are axially spaced from each other by a distance at least equal to the dimensions of the suspension of the release rollers of the two pairs of pliers are located in the immediate vicinity of the axial vertical plane of symmetry, and these rollers come to bear on a single clutch-release ramp; each gripper body is associated with the chassis of the carriage by elastically deformable members, the fixed jaws of the grippers are extended by needles, the internal needles of each pair of grippers being separated from one another by so as to allow individually a small movement of the clamps on either side of their normal position while ensuring a general maintenance of these clamps; each carriage comprises two pairs of comfort rollers with free pivoting around horizontal and transverse axes intended to roll on rolling tracks associated with each of the intermediate support and / or compression pylons; these raceways generally follow the cable routing profile while being very slightly spaced from this profile vertically so that by passing over a pylon, the carriage rolls thanks to these rollers of comfort on the raceway, the cable being very slightly removed from the grooves of the pulleys, whether these are of the support type or of the compression type; each intermediate support and / or compression pylon includes means for preventing the cables from escaping from the grooves of the corresponding rollers; each intermediate support and / or compression pylon includes means for recovering the cables if they escape the grooves of the corresponding support rollers.

As a variant, the quadrilateral defined by the two pairs of pliers has the shape of a rectangle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for preventing the cables from escaping from the corresponding rollers consist of a plate projecting inwards, curved with convexity turned inwards and located immediately above the throat of neighboring pebbles; the cable recovery means consist of a gutter section leaving a free space for the suspension and the carriage to pass and which are curved with convexity facing upwards if the corresponding intermediate pylon is a support pylon and with convexity facing towards the low if the intermediate pylon corresponding is a compression pylon.

These characteristics lead to minimum structures in terms of weight and bulk while ensuring a good distribution of forces, comfort and safety greatly improved compared to known overhead cable transport installations.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un véhicule tel qu'une cabine et de deux câbles porteurs tracteurs associés d'une d'installation suivant l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique, en perspective, dans sa partie droite, d'une station d'extrémité, et, dans sa partie gauche de pylônes intermédiaires de l'installation, en l'occurrence de type support, ceux-ci pouvant être plus ou moins éloignés de cette station.
• Les figures 3, 4 et 5 sont trois vues schématiques respectivement en élévation, de dessus et d'extrémité du chariot de support d'un véhicule d'une installation selon l'invention.
• La figure 6 est une vue schématique, en élévation, d'un pylône pour installation de transport à câbles aériens selon l'invention, ce pylône étant du type support.
• La figure 7 est une vue schématique partielle, en perspective, illustrant le pylône représenté sur la figure 6.
• La figure 8 est une vue schématique d'extrémité illustrant le chariot de support d'un véhicule au droit d'un pylône intermédiaire de compression d'une installation selon l'invention.
• La figure 9 est une vue schématique, de côté, du pylone de compression représenté sur la figure 8.
• La figure 10 est une vue partielle, en perspective, illustrant un balancier élémentaire du pylône d'une installation selon l'invention.

The other characteristics of the invention will result from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle such as a cabin and two associated tractor carrying cables of an installation according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, in its right part, of an end station, and, in its left part of intermediate pylons of the installation, in this case of the support type, these being able to be more or less distant from this station.
• Figures 3, 4 and 5 are three schematic views respectively in elevation, top and end of the support trolley of a vehicle of an installation according to the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic view, in elevation, of a pylon for an overhead cable transport installation according to the invention, this pylon being of the support type.
• FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view, in perspective, illustrating the pylon shown in FIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic end view illustrating the vehicle support carriage in line with an intermediate compression pylon of an installation according to the invention.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the compression pylon shown in FIG. 8.
• Figure 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating an elementary balance of the pylon of an installation according to the invention.

The invention relates to an overhead cable transport installation of the type comprising one or generally several vehicles 1 spaced apart (individually or in groups) along two cables 2a, 2b to which they are rigidly associated, but disengageably by clamps 3.

The collets 3 are carried by a carriage 4 - described in more detail below - to which is articulated around a horizontal and transverse axis 5 the upper end part 6 of a vertical suspension 7, rigidly integral, to its part lower end 8 of the vehicle chassis 1.

The two cables 2a, 2b, - which do not in themselves constitute the invention - are endless, separate from each other, carriers and tractors, parallel to each other, placed one beside the other on the other in the horizontal direction, driven to continuous scrolling at the same speed. They extend between two end stations such as the end station 9 shown in FIG. 2, for loading and unloading vehicles 1, and they are supported in an intermediate manner by one or more pylons 10 which will be described in more detail below. The vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 is a cabin for the transportation of passengers. However, the vehicle 1 can also be a bucket or the like for transporting materials. In the example shown and in a manner known per se, the vehicle 1 comprises, in addition to its chassis, a body, movable doors, windows or portholes and all the usual equipment (bumpers, exit hatches, etc.).

Each end station 9 which does not in itself constitute the invention comprises two wheels 11a, 11b, driving drives of the two cables 2a, 2b (in the case of FIG. 2, the axes of the two wheels 11a, 11b are vertical however these axes can be inclined in any way); fixed vehicle support means 1, such as a rail placed substantially horizontally and having a general shape of U bypassing the drive wheels, not shown; upstream means for disengaging the clamps making it possible to dissociate a vehicle 1 from the cables 2a, 2b in order to store it on fixed support means, not shown; downstream means for clutching the clamps making it possible to associate a vehicle 1 stored on the fixed support means for the cables 2a, 2b, not shown; motor means for driving the drive wheels 11a, 11b, at the same speed, not shown; means for tensioning the cables 2a, 2b, not shown; means of access to vehicles 1, such as platforms, allowing, for example in the case of a cabin, travelers to enter and leave them when they are on the stationary support means stationary or at low speed, not shown; possible means of opening and closing the doors of vehicles not shown; means for driving the vehicles independently of the cables when they are on the fixed support means and this to pass them from a first pair of cables 2a, 2b to a second pair of cables 12a, 12b (which may be the same as explained below).

Upstream and downstream refer to the direction of movement of the vehicles 1, along the cables 2a, 2b.

An intermediate pylon 10 is intended to support the two cables 2a, 2b, associated with the vehicles 1 (ascending or descending) and preferably the two pairs of cables of the ascending and descending vehicles 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b, these two cables being able to result from two cables 2a, 12a, on the one hand, and 2b, 12b, on the other hand, endless, and offset transversely. However, the pylon 10 can be designed to support only two cables 2a, 2b, from an ascending or descending cabin. Such a pylon 10 comprises in a manner known per se, a base 13 anchored to the ground; a barrel 14 vertical or directed upwards, rigidly associated with the base 13; a bracket 15 rigidly fixed to the upper extreme part of the barrel 14 having a general horizontal transverse direction relative to the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b; two stirrups 16a, 16b having the general shape of an inverted U, arranged vertically, transversely and coplanarly with the two opposite extreme free parts of the bracket 15; two pairs of pendulums extending in the horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, the two pendulums of each pair being spaced transversely and facing each other and associated with the vertical branches descending from a stirrup 16a, 16b; and finally rollers 17 carried by the pendulums in the grooves through which the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b pass.

These rollers 17 - and therefore the pylons 10 which support them - are of two possible types: support or compression, depending on whether they support the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b, from below (Figures 2, 6, 7) or at on the contrary that they press on these cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b, from above (FIGS. 8, 9), this so that the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b follow the desirable path taking into account the accidents on the ground while being maintained and guided.

Generally, cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b are inclined, one of the end stations being located at a lower level (downstream station for cables 2a, 2b) and the other station being located at a higher level (upstream station for cables 2a, 2b). Consequently, in the text, the words "horizontal", "vertical" are relative and refer either to the usual physical concept, or in a relative way on the one hand to the trace of the plane of the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b, relative to a vertical plane orthogonal to the latter and parallel to the cables, on the other hand to a straight line perpendicular to the plane of the cables. By convention, the “axial” and “transverse” directions are understood to be respectively parallel to the axes of the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b and perpendicular horizontally to the cables 2a, 2b, 12a, 12b. It is understood that, with some exceptions, the horizontal, vertical, axial or transverse directions also generally include those close to them.

The assembly comprising two cables 2a, 2b or 12a, 12b, of the same vehicle 1, this vehicle 1, its suspension 7, its carriage 4, the corresponding bracket 16a or 16b, of an intermediate pylon 10 and its two pendulums have an axial vertical plane of symmetry P equidistant from the two cables considered 2a, 2b or 12a, 12b. In addition, an intermediate pylon 10, if it supports two pairs of cables, has an axial vertical plane of symmetry U passing through the base 13 and the barrel 14.

Consequently, the installation is described for each element which composes it taken in isolation, it being understood that the latter is found by symmetry, unless otherwise indicated.

In the following description, reference is made to the part of the intermediate pylon 10 intended for the two cables 2a, 2b. Similarly, in the following description, reference is made to a vehicle 1 associated with cables 2a, 2b. The elements associated with - or on the side of - cable 2a have references followed by the index a and the elements associated with - or located on the side of - cable 2b have the references followed by the index b.

A clamp 3 comprises a clamp body 18 associated with the chassis 19 of the carriage 4; a fixed jaw 20 carried by the clamp body 18, in particular in two parts 20a, 20b separated axially; a movable jaw 21 placed between the two parts 20a, 20b, of the fixed jaw, carried by the outer free end 22 and lower part of an arm 23 forming a lever situated in a transverse plane, having a general shape of L, articulated to the body clamp 18 around an axial axis 24; elastic return means 25 from the movable jaw 21 towards the fixed jaw 20 (corresponding to the engaged state) such as a spring disposed substantially vertically and a disengaging roller 26 of the clamp 3, mounted with free pivoting at the end internal and upper free arm 27 around an axis 28 which is substantially horizontal and transverse and which can cooperate with the upstream declutching and downstream clutch means taking the form of an inclined ramp 29.

The carriage 4 comprises a pair of clamps 3'a, 3 "a associated with the cable 2a and a pair of clamps 3'b, 3" b, associated with the cable 2b. The chassis 19 of the carriage 4 being rigid and the clamps 3 being associated therewith also rigidly seen from above, that is to say in plan and subject to what is said below with reference to the elastic means of association of the clamp body 18 with the chassis 19, the two pairs of clamps 3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b define a "rigid" quadrilateral in the form of a parallelogram which, in the engaged state, promotes displacement synchronous of the two cables 2a, 2b. Thus, the clips of the two pairs of clips are also spaced from one another in the axial direction, for example by a distance D of the order of 800 mm. This arrangement increases the compactness of the carriage 4, therefore also its weight and limits the spacing between the two cables 2a, 2b which can be of the order of 750 mm.

In a variant not shown, the quadrilateral has the shape of a rectangle.

According to the invention, the two end clamps 3'a, 3'b on the one hand, 3 "a, 3" b on the other hand are immediately adjacent to each other in the axial direction, which gives the carriage 4 the minimum space possible in the axial direction. Consequently, two end clamps are spaced from one another in the axial direction by a distance corresponding substantially to the axial size of a clamp 3, for example of the order of 300 mm.

The two central clamps which belong to the two distinct pairs of clamps, namely 3'a and 3 "b are separated axially from each other by a distance at least equal to the axial size of the suspension 7.

For example, the spacing between the two transverse axes of the two central clamps 3'a, 3 "b is of the order of 500mm.

According to the invention, the two pairs of pliers 3'a, 3 "a on the one hand, 3'b, 3" b on the other hand, are separated transversely by the minimum possible distance taking into account the size of the pliers . In addition, the clamps 3 project transversely outward from the entire carriage 4 located between the two cables 2a, 2b.

The carriage 4 mainly comprises two axial beams 30a, 30b, and crosspieces, in particular of end 31. These beams 30a, 30b, can be spaced from one another, transversely, by about 450 mm. As for the two end crosspieces which define the maximum size of the carriage 4, they can be spaced from each other by a distance of the order of about 1600 mm.

The arrangement which has just been described is such that the clamps 3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b, extend practically between the two longitudinal members 30a, 30b, in addition to their projecting part constituted by the fixed jaws 20 and movable 21. In addition, the elastic means 25 as well as the release rollers 26 are located in the immediate vicinity of the axial vertical plane of symmetry P. For example, the raceways of the release rollers 26 of the two pairs of pliers 3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b are spaced from each other, in the engaged state, of the order of about 60 mm.

It follows that according to a characteristic of the invention, the installation comprises a clutch-release ramp 29, unique at each end of each pair of cables 2a, 2b or 12a, 12b that is to say a single ramp on each side of each end station 9 on which the disengaging rollers 26 of the two pairs of pliers 3'a, 3 "a come to bear , 3'b, 3 "b.

According to the invention, a clamp body 18 is associated with the chassis 19 of the carriage 4, in particular the side members 30a, 30b, by elastically deformable members 32 such as blocks of rubber or elastomer. These members 32 have the function of ensuring a general maintenance of the clamp 3 relative to the chassis 19 with however the possibility of a small limited clearance on either side of its normal rest position around its transverse axis of symmetry 33. This movement is for example of the order of 2 °. This arrangement allows the clamps to marry without excessive stress the curved shape of the cable tray 2a, 2b. Naturally, the members 32 are only slightly deformable and under the effect of sufficient force so that the clamp body 18 is normally held without being able to pivot inopportune about the axis 33.

In order for this function to have the best efficiency, a clamp body 18 preferably comprises a part 34 extending axially and in a vertical plane and having a general shape of a concavity arch turned downwards. This part 34 projects outward, horizontally and transversely to constitute the fixed jaw 20. These two lower free end portions 35 are associated with the chassis 19 in particular with the side members 30a, 30b, by the elastically deformable members 32.

In order to allow the movement of the clamps thanks to these elastically deformable members 32, the two parts 20a, 20b, of a fixed jaw are extended axially by needles 36 which cooperate with the cables 2a, 2b, the internal needles of the two pliers of each pair of pliers 3'a, 3 "a on the one hand, 3 'b, 3 "b, on the other hand, are distinct and are not rigidly associated with each other.

In addition, as shown in Figure 4, the end clamps 3'a, 3'b, on the one hand, 3 "a, 3" b, on the other hand, are nested one in the other. Thus, the most central elastically deformable member 32 of an end clamp such that 3'a is located in the transverse direction between the two elastically deformable members 32 of the neighboring clamp 3 "b.

To allow better mounting of the clamp, the 3rd clamp body 18 is pivotally mounted around its transverse axis 33 in bearings 37a, 37b, fixed to the side members 30a, 30b, on their inner face (FIG. 5).

According to the invention, the carriage 4 comprises support means 38, in particular support rollers 39, mounted with free pivoting around horizontal and transverse axes 40, and guide means 41, in particular guide rollers 42, mounted at free pivoting around vertical axes 43, allowing respectively to support the carriage 4 and to guide it in transverse direction when the clamps 3 are disengaged, in the end stations 9.

Each of the end cross members 31 has at each of its free ends a tab 44 located in an axial vertical plane at the end part of which a comfort roller 46 intended to roll on a rolling track 47 associated with an intermediate pylon 10 is mounted to pivot freely around a horizontal and transverse axis 45.

In Figure 3, are shown the comfort rollers 46 of a carriage 4 placed at the ends of the latter in an axial direction, intended to roll on a rolling track 47 associated with an intermediate pylon 10 of the compression type. In this case, the tab 44 is directed upwards. However, other rollers mounted with free pivoting about a horizontal axis and transverse to the end part of the lug 44 or of another lug, directed towards the bottom of the carriage 4 and for example at its ends, cooperate, as to them, with the tracks of an intermediate pylon of the support type as shown in the left part of FIG. 2.

An intermediate pylon 10 has two raceways 47 for the comfort rollers 46, generally following the cable routing profile 2a, 2b as defined by the rollers 17, while being very slightly more curved than this profile. Theoretical routing of cables, so as to be spaced from it vertically upwards or downwards depending on whether it is a support roller pylon (left part in Figure 2) or compression (Figures 8 and 9) except at its ends. The upward or downward spacing is understood not to mean the relative overall position of the tracks 47 relative to the rollers 17, but the relative variation in spacing between them. On the other hand, the track 47 can be placed as a whole above or below the rollers 17 depending on the configuration. Thus, with regard to the compression rollers shown in the figures 8 and 9, the tracks 47 are placed next to the lower part of the rollers 17. It follows from this arrangement that by passing over a pylon, the carriage rolls thanks to its comfort rollers 46 on the rolling tracks 47, respectively above or below it, depending on whether the pylon is of the support or compression type, while being driven by the cables 2a, 2b, which are very slightly spaced from the grooves of the rollers 17. This function is to as much filled as the comfort rollers 46 are spaced in the axial direction by the greatest possible distance.

According to the invention, in the engaged state of the clamp (Figure 3), the clamp body 18 is supported on the upper part of the corresponding cable 2a, 2b. The fixed and mobile jaws 20, 21 are applied to the internal and external lateral parts of the cable. As a result, the lower part of the cable 2a, 2b remains substantially free. This arrangement simultaneously ensures good support of the carriage 4 on the cables 2a, 2b, while allowing smooth passage of the rollers 17, of the pylons, especially when they do not have a raceway 47.

A carriage 4 also comprises two friction bands 48 extending axially, placed horizontally coplanar and spaced transversely from one another above the middle part of the side members 30a, 30b to which they are rigidly associated by vertical lugs 49 These friction bands 48 are intended to be functionally operational in each end station 9, either to slow down the carriage 4 separated from the cables 2a, 2b, or, on the contrary, to drive this carriage before it is coupled to the cables 2a, 2b.

The elastic means 25 such as a helical spring are mounted between an upper cup 50 and a lower cup 51. The upper cup 50 is associated with the free end 27 of the arm 23 around an axis of articulation 52 horizontal and axial . The lower cup 51 is fixed to the end part of a stirrup 53 disposed substantially vertically, associated with its upper end part to the clamp body 18 about an axis 54, horizontal and axial substantially situated in the vertical axial plane of symmetry P .

A pylon of an installation according to the invention is described below with reference to the case of a pylon with support rollers, but it is clear that this description can be clearly adapted to the case of a pylon with compression rollers .

The pylon 10 according to the invention comprises two support beams 55a, 55b, symmetrical with respect to the plane P, articulated at their middle part with free pivoting around a horizontal and transverse axis 56 to a stirrup 16 placed vertically and transversely rigidly associated with the bracket 15. This stirrup having a general shape of an inverted U comprises a core (not shown) rigidly associated with the bracket 15 or, as a variant, does not include a core, the latter forming an integral part of the bracket 15 and constituting its extreme part free, and two wings 57a, 57b, symmetrical with respect to the plane P, directed vertically and downwards, to the lower free end part of which is the axis 56.

The pendulums 55a, 55b, are associated with free pivoting on the internal faces of the wings 57a, 57b, around the axis 56 by two pins 56a, 56b, leaving free space between the two support pendulums 55a, 55b.

Preferably, the two support frames 55a, 55b are rectilinear and constituted by a profiled metal part with a square or rectangular cross section.

It is the same for the wings 57a, 57b and the stem 15.

The pylon 10 comprises, on the other hand, several elementary pendulums 58 comprising the rollers 17, articulated with free pivoting, directly or indirectly on the support pendulums 55a, 55b, around horizontal and transverse axes 59. These elementary pendulums 58 are placed one after the other and close to each other over the necessary length, taking into account the support forces exerted by the cables 2a, 2b and the more or less curved path of the cable tray. A typical and preferred embodiment is that shown in FIG. 7 in which four elementary pendulums 58 are provided.

We will now describe an elementary pendulum such as 58 with particular reference to FIG. 10.

An elementary balance wheel 58 comprises, on the one hand, two longitudinal members 60a, 60b for supporting the rollers respectively 17a, 17b, spaced transversely from one another and symmetrical with respect to the plane P and, on the other hand, an arch stiffening 61 rigidly connecting together the two beams 60a, 60b.

Each spar 60a, 60b, preferably comprises two parts spaced transversely from one another but rigidly integral with one another, namely, for the spar 60a the two parts 60'a and 60 "a and for the spar 60b parts 60'b and 60 "b. Between each pair of pieces 60'a, 60 "a, 60'b, 60" b, the support rollers 17a, 17b are mounted to pivot freely.

The two parts 60'a, 60 "a, 60'b, 60" b of a beam 60a, 60b are rigidly associated with one another by a central spacer 62.

An elementary balance wheel 58 has two upstream rollers 17'a, 17'b and two downstream rollers 17 "a, 17" b, the upstream rollers 17'a, 17'b, on the one hand, and the downstream rollers 17 "a , 17 "b on the other hand, having coaxial pivot axes respectively 63 '(upstream axis) and 63" (downstream axis). Naturally, each of the axes 63', 63 "is in two parts in order to leave the central space between the rollers to allow the passage of the carriage 4 and the suspension 7.

Preferably, the two axes 63 ', 63 "are provided at the two free end portions 64', 64" of the side members 60a, 60b.

The stiffening arch 61 preferably connects the two pieces of side members 60a, 60b, located towards the outside, ie 60'a and 60'b. This stiffening arch is placed vertically and transversely and has a general shape of an inverted U comprising a central web 65 horizontal and transverse and two wings 66a, 66b, lateral, vertical and directed downward, rigidly associated with their lower free end part 67 to the side members 60a, 60b in particular to the external parts 60'a, 60'b.

Preferably, the stiffening arch 61 has, in cross section, a T shape, this to guarantee its non-deformability. Also, the core 65 is preferably connected to the wings 66a, 66b by cut sides 68a, 68b.

An elementary balance wheel 58 preferably comprises a single stiffening arch 61 placed at one of the extreme free parts of the side members 60a, 60b and preferably on the side of the extreme free part 64 ′, for example upstream.

In elevation (that is to say seen from the side), an elementary balance wheel 58 therefore has a general shape of L, the horizontal branch of which is formed by the side members 60a, 60b and the vertical branch of which consists of the arch of stiffening 61.

Preferably, a pylon as just described comprises means 69 for preventing the cables 2a, 2b from escaping from the grooves of the rollers 17 which support them. These means are for example placed on the internal faces of the wings 66a, 66b of an arch 61 and above the groove of the corresponding rollers 17'a, 17 "b. These means are constituted for example by a plate 69 projecting inwardly and curved around a vertical axis with turned convexity to plane P.

Also, the intermediate pylon 10 of an installation according to the invention preferably includes means 70 for recovering the cables 2a, 2b, if these escape the grooves of the corresponding support rollers 17'a, 17 "a, 17'b, 17 "b. These recovery means 70 are constituted for example by a section of gutter open upwards, rigidly fixed to the internal face of each internal part 60 "a, 60" b in the vicinity of the upstream rollers 17'a, 17'b. Preferably, these gutters are curved around a horizontal and transverse axis with convexity facing upwards. Their size in the transverse direction is limited substantially to the width of a cable such as 2a, 2b so as not to prevent the passage of the suspension 7 and of the carriage 4.

Consequently, the upstream rollers 17'a, 17'b are associated, on the one hand, with the means 69 for preventing the cables 2a, 2b from escaping from the grooves of the rollers, and on the other hand, the recovery means 70 cables 2a, 2b.

Preferably, two successive elementary pendulums 58 are arranged in the same direction, that is to say with the stiffening hoops 61 disposed upstream. These two successive elementary pendulums 58 are mounted articulated with free pivoting around axes 71 ′, 71 "horizontal and transverse to the two free end portions 72 ′, 72 ″ of two intermediate parts 73a, 73 b, symmetrical with respect to the plane P, articulated with free pivoting around a horizontal axis 74 and transverse to the support beam 55a, 55b, directly or indirectly. The axis 74 is located in the middle part of the intermediate parts 73a, 73b.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the pylon comprises four successive elementary pendulums 58 forming an upstream group 75 'of two elementary pendulums 58 and a downstream group 75 "of two other elementary pendulums 58. All these balancies are arranged in the same direction. The two elementary pendulums 58 of the upstream group 75 'are pivotally mounted on two intermediate parts 73a, 73b, articulated to the support pendulums 55a, 55b around the axis 74 located at the upstream free end 76' of these pendulums support 55a, 55b.

The rollers of these two elementary rockers 58 of the upstream group 75 'follow each other at regular intervals. They are further followed, with the same interval by rollers of the downstream group 75 "which has the same structure as described above, articulated at the downstream free end portion 76" of the pendulums 55a, 55b. The articulations, in particular of the support pendulums 55a, 55b with the stirrup 16, of the elementary pendulums 58 with the support pendulums 55a, 55b (by means of any intermediate parts 73a, 73b) which are normally free can, if necessary be limited in amplitude and / or with some braking.

• Entre deux stations d'extrémité 9, les pinces de serrage 3 sont à l'état embrayé car soumises sans restriction aux moyens élastiques 25. Les câbles 2a, 2b supportent et tractent le chariot 4 donc le véhicule 1. La disposition constructive décrite est telle que la stabilité latérale de l'ensemble est parfaite. Lorsque le véhicule 1 arrive au droit d'un pylône intermédiaire 10, les galets de confort 46 roulent sur les pistes de roulement 47, ce qui a pour effet d'écarter très légèrement, de l'ordre de quelques millimètres, les câbles 2a, 2b, des galets 17. Cette disposition n'intervient pas dans les stations d'extrémité 9 où il est prévu les deux rampes 29. De la sorte, le véhicule 1 n'est pas affecté de tressautements au passage de ces galets 17. Lorsque le véhicule 1 arrive dans une station d'extrémité 9, les galets de débrayage 26 viennent s'appliquer contre la rampe- - unique 29 qui est profilée de façon appropriée pour se rapprocher du chemin de câbles 2a, 2b. Il s'ensuit que les mors mobiles 21 pivotent autour de leur axe d'articulation, à l'encontre des moyens élastiques 25, ce qui a pour effet d'ouvrir les pinces 3 qui se trouvent alors à l'état débrayé. Simultanément, le chariot 4 vient reposer sur des moyens support fixes tels qu'une piste en U, 77, grâce aux roulettes support 39. Le chariot 4 est guidé grâce aux roulettes de guidage 42. Le profil de ces moyens support fixes est tel qu'ils permettent de désengager les pinces 3, débrayées, des câbles 2a, 2b. Par exemple, le cheminement des câbles 2a, 2b va en s'écartant vers le bas et les moyens de support fixes vont en se rapprochant vers le haut du profil de cheminement des câbles 2a, 2b. Le véhicule 1 est freiné dans sm mouvement de coulissement par des bandes à friction 48. Au départ, on réalise les mêmes opérations en sens opposé, c'est-à-dire que les moyens de support fixes viennent placer les pinces 3 en regard des câbles 2a, 2b, la rampe 29 vient libérer les galets de débrayage 26 qui permettent la fermeture des pinces 3 et préalablement les bandes à friction 48 ont permis d'amener progressivement le chariot 4 à la vitesse des câbles par des galets d'accélération.

The installation which has just been described works in the following way:

• Between two end stations 9, the clamps 3 are in the engaged state because subject without restriction to the elastic means 25. The cables 2a, 2b support and tow the carriage 4 therefore the vehicle 1. The construction arrangement described is such that the lateral stability of the assembly is perfect. When the vehicle 1 arrives at the right of an intermediate pylon 10, the comfort rollers 46 roll on the raceways 47, which has the effect of spreading the cables 2a very slightly, on the order of a few millimeters, 2b, rollers 17. This arrangement does not occur in the end stations 9 where the two ramps 29 are provided. In this way, the vehicle 1 is not affected by tremors at the passage of these rollers 17. When the vehicle 1 arrives at an end station 9, the release rollers 26 come to bear against the ramp - - single 29 which is suitably profiled to approach the cable tray 2a, 2b. It follows that the movable jaws 21 pivot around their axis of articulation, against the elastic means 25, which has the effect of opening the clamps 3 which are then in the disengaged state. Simultaneously, the carriage 4 comes to rest on fixed support means such as a U-shaped track, 77, thanks to the support rollers 39. The carriage 4 is guided by the guide rollers 42. The profile of these fixed support means is such that 'they make it possible to disengage the clamps 3, disengaged, from the cables 2a, 2b. For example, the routing of the cables 2a, 2b goes away from the bottom and the fixed support means go towards the top of the routing profile of the cables 2a, 2b. The vehicle 1 is braked in its sliding movement by friction bands 48. At the start, the same operations are carried out in the opposite direction, that is to say that the fixed support means place the clamps 3 opposite the cables 2a, 2b, the ramp 29 releases the release rollers 26 which allow the clamps 3 to be closed and the friction bands 48 have previously enabled the carriage 4 to be brought gradually to the speed of the cables by acceleration rollers.

In addition, the means 69 for preventing the cables 2a, 2b from escaping from the grooves of the rollers and, on the other hand, the means 70 for recovering the cables 2a, 2b, maintain the cables 2a, 2b at the level of the stirrups. 16, in particular when the cables 2a, 2b are spaced from the rollers 17 and / or if an unforeseen event occurs.

Naturally, the invention can be the subject of numerous variants.

Claims (26)

1 / Overhead cable transport installation comprising one or more vehicles (1) spaced apart and associated rigidly but disengageably by clamps carried by a carriage (4) associated with a suspension (7), with two cables (2a, 2b) endless, carriers and tractors, parallel to each other, placed one beside the other in the horizontal direction, driven by continuous scrolling at the same speed and supported by pylons (10) intermediate support and / or compression comprising a base (13) a barrel (14), a horizontal and transverse bracket (15) and two series of rollers (17) for supporting and / or compressing the two cables (2a, 2b) each carriage being associated with two pairs of pliers (3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b), each pair of pliers being associated with one of the two cables (2a, 2b), characterized in that these two pairs of pliers define a rigid quadrilateral in the form of a parallelogram which, in the engaged state, favors the synchronous running of the two cables ( 2a, 2b). 2 / Aerial cable transport installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the quadrilateral defined by the two pairs of clamps (3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b) has the shape of a rectangle. 3 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each carriage (4) comprises support means (38) in particular support rollers (39) mounted with free pivoting around 'horizontal and transverse axes (40), and guide means (41), in particular guide rollers (42) mounted with free pivoting around vertical axes (43) allows as long as supporting the carriage (4) and guiding it transversely, when the clamps (3) are disengaged, in the end stations (9). 4 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each carriage (4) comprises a chassis (19) consisting of two axial beams (30a, 30b) and crosspieces, in particular end (31). 5 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the two pairs of clamps (3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b) are spaced transversely from the minimum distance taking into account the size of the clamps, and by the fact that two central clamps (3'a, 3 "b) are separated axially from each other by a distance at least equal to the size of the suspension (7). 6 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each pair of clamps comprises a clamp body (18) associated with the chassis (19) of the carriage (4); a fixed jaw (20) carried by the body (18); a movable jaw (21) carried by the end and lower part (22) of an arm (23) located in a transverse plane and articulated to the gripper body around an axial axis (24); elastic means (25) for returning the movable jaw (21) to the fixed jaw (20) such as a spring arranged substantially vertically; and a roller (26) for disengaging the clamp (3) pivotally mounted at the inner and upper end part (27) of the arm (23) around a substantially horizontal and transverse axis (28) and capable of cooperating with a clutch-release ramp (29) forming part upstream clutch release and downstream clutch means of an end station (9), characterized in that the release rollers (26) of the two pairs of pliers (3'a, 3 "a, 3'b , 3 "b) are located in the immediate vicinity of the vertical axial plane of symmetry P, these rollers (26) coming to bear on a single clutch ramp (29) disposed on each side of each of the end stations (9) . 7 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a clamp body (18) comprises an arched part (34) extending axially and in a vertical plane, which projects outward in a horizontal and transverse direction to constitute the fixed jaw (20), associated by its two free end parts (35) with the chassis (19) of the carriage (4) by means of elastically deformable members (32) such as rubber or elastomer blocks, these members having the function of ensuring a general maintenance of the part with the possibility of a small limited clearance on either side of its normal position, in particular of the order of 2 °. 8 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fixed jaws (20) of the clamps (3) are extended by needles (36), the internal needles of each pair clamps (3'a, 3 "a, 3'b, 3" b) being separated from each other so as to allow a small clearance of the clamps (3) individually. 9 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a clamp body (18) is pivotally mounted relative to the chassis (19) of the carriage (4) around a horizontal and transverse axis (33) by means of bearings (37a, 37b) fixed to the axial beams (30a, 30b) of the chassis (19). 10 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the most central elastic member of an end clamp (3'b, 3 "a) is located in the transverse direction between the two elastic members (32) of the neighboring clamp (3'a, 3 "b). 11 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the carriage (4) are associated with two pairs of comfort rollers (46) with free pivoting around axes (45 ) horizontal and transverse, intended to roll on raceways (47) associated with each of the intermediate support and / or compression pylons (10). 12 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an intermediate support and / or compression pylon (10) comprises two rolling tracks (47) of comfort rollers ( 46) generally following the cable routing profile (2a, 2b) while being very slightly spaced from this profile vertically upwards or downwards except at its ends, so that by passing in line with a pylon, the carriage (4) rolls thanks to its comfort rollers (46) on the raceways (47), the cable being very slightly spaced from the rollers (17). 13 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an intermediate support and / or compression pylon (10) comprises means (69) for preventing the cables (2a, 2b) to escape from the grooves of the corresponding rollers (17). 14 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the intermediate pylons (10) comprise two main pendulums (55a, 55b) symmetrical with respect to the median axial vertical plane of symmetry P articulated with free pivoting about a horizontal axis (56) and transverse to a vertical and transverse stirrup (16) rigidly associated with the bracket (15), elementary pendulums (58) each of these elementary pendulums being articulated with free pivoting, directly or indirectly to the main pendulums (55a, 55b) and comprising two support beams (60a, 60b) of the rollers (17) spaced transversely from each other and symmetrical with respect to the plane P, and at least one hoop of stiffening (61) rigidly connecting together the two support beams (60a, 60b), this stiffening hoop (61) having in elevation a general shape of an inverted U comprising a core (65) and two lateral wings (6 6a, 66b) rigidly associated with their free end portion lower than the support beams (60a, 60b), and having in cross section a general shape of T, the means (69) for preventing the cables (2a, 2b) from escape from the grooves of the corresponding rollers (17) being provided on the internal faces of the wings (66a, 66b) of a stiffening arch (61). 15 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the means (69) for preventing the cables (2a, 2b) from escaping the corresponding rollers (17) are constituted by a plate (69) projecting inwardly and located immediately above the groove of the neighboring rollers (17'a, 17'b). 16 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the plate (69) is curved with convexity facing inward. 17 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the intermediate support and / or compression pylons (10) include means (70) for recovering the cables (2a, 2b ) if these escape the grooves of the corresponding rollers (17), these means (70) being associated with the support beams (60a, 60b). 18 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that each support beam (60a, 60b) comprises two parts (60'a, 60 "a, 60'b, 60 "b) spaced transversely from one another but rigidly secured to one another, between which the rollers (17) are pivotally mounted. 19 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the two parts (60'a, 60 "a, 60'b, 60" b) of a support beam (60a, 60b) are rigidly associated with one another by a central spacer (62), two axes (63 ', 63 ") of pivoting of the rollers being provided at the two free end portions upstream and downstream. 20 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that the stiffening hoop (61) is rigidly associated with the two external parts (60'a, 60'b) of the two longitudinal members support (60a, 60b). 21 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the means (70) for recovering the cables (2a, 2b) are constituted by a section of gutter rigidly fixed on the faces internal internal parts (60 "a, 60" b) of a support beam (60a, 60b) and located in the vicinity of the corresponding rollers (17'a, 17'b). 22 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the gutters (70) leave a free space for passage of the suspension (7) and the carriage (4) and are curved with convexity facing upwards if the corresponding intermediate pylon (10) is a support pylon and convexity facing downwards if the corresponding intermediate pylon (10) is a compression pylon. 23 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that each elementary pendulum (58) is mounted articulated with free pivoting around a horizontal and transverse axis (59), directly or indirectly to the support balance (55a, 55b). 24 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that each intermediate pylon (10) comprises at least two successive elementary pendulums (58) arranged in the same direction. 25 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that two successive elementary pendulums (58) are mounted articulated with free pivoting around axes (59) located at the two free end parts of two intermediate parts (73a, 73b) articulated with free pivoting about a horizontal and transverse axis (74) directly or indirectly to the support pendulums (55a, 55b), the axis (74) being located in the middle part of the parts intermediate (73a, 73b). 26 / Aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that each intermediate pylon (10) comprises four successive elementary pendulums (58) forming an upstream group (75 ') of two elementary pendulums (58) and a downstream group (75 ") of two other successive elementary rockers (58), the upstream group (75 ') being articulated with free pivoting around the axis (74) of the intermediate parts (73a, 73b) , located at the free end of the support pendulum (55a, 55b).

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